Themed “Many Rivers, One Ocean,” the annual Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony provides an opportunity for thoughts and prayers from around the globe to create a moment of collective remembrance, harmony and international friendship.

As a result of the recent earthquakes in Nepal, prayers will be offered for the thousands of lives lost in that tragedy and for all afflicted people who struggle every day. Shinnyo-en's presence in Asia allowed them to quickly come to the aid of the Nepalese moments after the earthquakes, providing an ambulance, donating relief supplies, and coordinating with international and local organizations.

Three different types of lanterns will be floated on the day of the event. Six large Main Lanterns carry prayers offered for victims of war, water-related accidents, natural and man made disasters, famine, and disease. Collective Remembrance Lanterns are original wooden frame lanterns that are refurbished each year and were made by Shinnyo practitioners. Prayers that are received ahead of time from those who cannot attend the event are placed on these lanterns. Individual lanterns are distributed on the day of the event and have three sides for writing multiple remembrances.

Those wanting to float a lantern will be able to receive an individual lantern on the day of the event between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Lanterns will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis until they run out. Organizers are asking that one lantern be shared per family or per party, so there will be more lanterns available for others to share in the experience.

Event organizers say concession stands are not available this year, so they advise attendees to bring their own food and beverages.

Free parking will be available at the Hawaii Convention Center on the day of the event from 7 a.m. until midnight. A complimentary shuttle will also be transporting passengers from the Convention Center to Ala Moana Beach from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. then will be driving back to the Convention Center from 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

The first Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony was held in 1999 at Ke‘ehi Lagoon on Memorial Day and has grown each year in response to community demand.